Emerging Leaders Academy
Equipping the next generation of leaders in the Anglican Communion
Apply NowCalling all young, dynamic changemakers from across the Anglican Communion! If you’re aged 20-35 and already stepping up to lead in your local church or community, the Emerging Leaders Academy (ELA) is for you.
The ELA is a life-changing programme co-hosted by USPG, Episcopal Divinity School and the Anglican Communion Youth Network. We believe in giving opportunities to young leaders and that equipping you with the knowledge, courage, deep spiritual grounding, and practical skills to navigate decolonial and contextual theologies is critical to transforming both you and your community.
It is a space to deepen your faith, grow your leadership skills, and connect and learn from peers from across the global Anglican Communion.
What is the ELA?
The ELA is a year-long formation programme that combines:
- Two online sessions in preparation for the residential time.
- A two-week residential course (14 days of intensive learning, worship, and community life)
- Monthly online gatherings (6 months of shared reflection, prayer, and continued learning)
- One-to-one mentoring (6 months of sustained support from an experienced church leader)
The programme is rooted in the Anglican Communion’s Five Marks of Mission: proclaiming the Gospel, teaching and nurturing faith, responding to human need, transforming injustice, peace building and reconciliation, and safeguarding creation. As part of the course, you will develop practical leadership skills while deepening your theological understanding and spiritual life.
Who should apply?
You will be eligible to apply if you:
Are an active member of a church in the Anglican Communion and hold a leadership position, for example:
-
- An ordinand preparing for ordination
- A clergy person (recent graduate, early career, or fresh from seminary)
- A lay leader at diocesan level or equivalent (e.g. youth representative, student fellowship president, staff member or trustee in a church organisation)
What are we looking for?
- Genuine hunger to deepen your understanding of God and your vocation
- Openness to learning from people of different cultures and theological traditions
- Willingness to be vulnerable, ask questions, and take risks in a community
- Commitment to serve the Church and pursue justice in your context
- Eagerness to grow in your faith, leadership, and cross-cultural understanding
- Desire to connect with other young leaders across the world
What will you learn?
1. Leadership skills
2. Practical skills
3. Theological understanding
4. Cross-cultural learning
Costs and funding
We request that each participant contributes: £100–£500 (sliding scale, based on your context)
USPG and our partners raise funds to cover the main costs. If financial barriers exist, please do not let them stop you applying—tell us about your situation, and we will work with you on a solution.
Practical details
Timeline for 2026
- March: Applications open
- April 17th: Application deadline
- April 20th – 24th: review applications
- May: Shortlist and invite selected applicants for interviews
- July & August: the selected cohort meets to prepare for the residential
- October 9th – 24th is the residential (two weeks)
- Mentoring and monthly gathering for 6 months (Nov and Feb 2026, Mar, Apr, May and June 2027)
Language
The 2026 residential will be in English. We are planning future cohorts in other languages (Portuguese, Spanish, others, or with interpretation).
Visas and logistics
USPG and our local partners will support visa applications and help with travel logistics. The participant and local church are responsible for providing financial support for VISA and Travel Insurance.
How to apply
Applications are now open. To apply, you’ll need to:
- Complete an application form (telling us about your leadership role, your faith journey, and why you want to join)
- Provide a reference from two people in your church who know your leadership
- If shortlisted, participate in a brief online interview (via Zoom)
Look out for the application link on the USPG website and through the Anglican Communion Youth Network (ACYN).
Why participate?
Don’t just take it from us, hear what our past participants have to say:
“I came thinking I’d learn leadership skills. What I actually gained was a global faith community and the confidence to lead differently in my context.”
“The teaching was excellent, but the real learning happened in our relationships—worshipping together, eating together, struggling together with real ministry questions.”
“I left with my theology transformed. I’d never really engaged with African and Asian perspectives on Scripture before.”
To watch more videos from ELA please head to our YouTube Channel
Questions?
If you’d like to know more before applying, please download our information pack, or contact:
USPG – Emerging Leaders Academy
Email: ela@uspg.org.uk
Please fill out the application form and send a completed copy to: ela@uspg.org.uk
Application deadline: April 17th 2026